The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) has announced major exhibition RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom, a celebration of one of the most influential cultural and social movements of the last 50 years, continuing the Museum’s commitment to examining topics and themes that are socially relevant and meaningful to diverse audiences. In 2016, OMCA presented All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party’s founding in Oakland, which broke attendance records for the Museum.

RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdomuncovers theunder-recognized story of how Hip-Hop changed the world. Informed by insights from more than 50 Hip-Hop practitioners, the interdisciplinary exhibition will explore the many ways that Hip-Hop provides a platform for creative self-expression, activism, youth development, and education.

More than a music genre, Hip-Hop is a distinct culture with an evolved sense of identity, tradition, and history. While it includes diverse communities, Hip-Hop is informed by African Diaspora principles and experiences. A response to tumultuous conditions and political events in the early 1970s, youth took to music, dance, poetry, and art to express themselves, innovating something entirely new. Hip-Hop has continued to evolve to become more relevant, dynamic, and pervasive.

“RESPECT recognizes the sensational essence of a movement that has become a unifying culture throughout the world,” said René de Guzman, exhibition curator. “With this exhibition, OMCA sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Hip-Hop: the wisdom and style it has brought to many aspects of all our lives, from the language that we use to the clothes that we wear.”

Original photographs of New York City in the 1970s and 1980s by Martha Cooper and Jamel Shabazz.

RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom is supported in part by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and members of the Donor Forum.

ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIAThe Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people.

VISITOR INFORMATIONThe Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. Museum admission is $15.95 general; $10.95 seniors and students with valid ID, $6.95 youth ages 9 to 17, and free for Members and children 8 and under. There is a $4 charge in addition to general admission pricing for special exhibitions. museumca.org

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Who is BIG CED?

Big Ced is a passionate about the creative process of entertainment in all forums. He cares about the integrity of vision, relationships,and networking. I have never known Ced not to be a man of his word. I have never worked side-by-side you to know your temperament. I have never argued with you or cried because of you to determine whether you are selfish, mean, judgmental, etc. The Ced that I’ve always known for 20+ years has been a consistent friend who never stopped answering his phone for me whether I was on a hit show or unemployed. I know that you follow-through with your plan,you create opportunity for yourself and others and you work harder than most. I respect you!

Big Lez

Big Ced,
A man who lives and loves music! A man who is dedicated to introducing to some and presenting to others the talents of artist, producers, and musicians. A man who works hard at networking, and building relationships with music industry professionals, both cooperate and creative. Someone who enjoys offering his gifts and talents for the love of music. Who is Big Ced?. it’s simple. One of the most highly respected men in the industry that I call Friend.

Stix BonesMusician/ProducerNew York City

Big Ced is a veteran in the entertainment industry that’s paved the way for some of the industry’s most prized possessions.

I’ve been in the industry since Hip Hop was a pup. I met Cedric many moons ago as he began working. Simply said, Cedric aka Big Ced, always had follow through and is a stand up guy. He’s always been honest, but no Boy Scout and definitely not a sucker! He always had a great pen, and his love for hip hop always shined through…

#Positive I think Big Ced is one of the most honest, passionate and sincere people in the music industry. It’s rare that I come across people who I genuinely admire and respect but he’s one of them. In a world full of hate, he shows nothing but love.

Donny GoinesCEOAmbitious VenturesNew York, NY

Big Ced is…

The only guy that can look like Bernie Mac AND Ma$e at the same damn time.

Hit The Road Sam from the MC Lyte “Paper Thin” video

The geeky trifocal glasses wearing mofo from the “Monie In The Middle” video

Matter of fact…he’s the first male video vixen. He’s a Mixen.

Real talk tho… He’s a good dude. Pause.

He’s a great entertainment resource to have and he’s a good mentor, big brother figure and friend.

But he’s still sarcastic as hell.

Even though most of his jokes be missing the mark, we still laugh along with his punk azz.

‘He’s a punk, no he’s actually one of the many few who will offer information without strings attached. He is genuinely wants people to succeed ‘

Toni Dubois Senior Project CoordinatorHBONew York, NY

“Who is BIG CED? A forward-thinking, an ambitious and energetic creative, who is unafraid of big moments and spectacles. A man who deserves his props for all the work he’s done in his 20-plus-year career.”

Kevin L. ClarkManaging Editor OkayplayerBrooklyn, New York

When I think of Big Ced, what comes to mind is a well respected industry vet who has worked at huge media publications such as Black Enterprise, Vibe and The Source to name a few. A passionate and dedicated journalist who is an innovator that created a platform of his own, his website, The Industry Cosign, which he has held down for over 12 years. I am privileged and blessed to know him and I am inspired and motivated by him.